Ü Concern Eternal Human Problems Such As the Conflict Between GOOD and EVIL

Name:______Ms. Thompson Period______

Beowulf Expository Essay

Assignment: An epic is a long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society. Using examples and quotations from the text to support your thesis statement (overall argument), analyze the ways in which Beowulf manifests the features of a literary epic and exemplifies an epic hero. You may choose to compare and/or contrast him to other heroes, but it is not a requirement.

REMEMBER Epics often:  Concern eternal human problems such as the conflict between GOOD and EVIL  Are written or told on a grand scale and often in ceremonial style

An Epic Hero:  is a “LARGER THAN LIFE PERSON” who embodies the highest ideals of his culture  embodies LOYALTY, VALOR/ COURAGE, SENSE OF JUSTICE, DIGNITY, PERSISTENCE, and many other traits of his culture and time period.  usually undertakes a QUEST/ JOURNEY to achieve something of great value to themselves or society  “ LIVE ON AFTER DEATH”…meaning they are forever remembered by those who live after them…achieving a type of IMMORTALITY  Is not a “Superman” with magical powers, but a “REGULAR” human (sometimes part god/part human) whose aspirations and accomplishments set him/her apart  Overcomes great obstacles/opponents but maintains HUMANITY  experiences typical HUMAN EMOTIONS/ FEELINGS, yet is able to master and control these human traits to a greater degree than a typical person  It is often necessary for the epic hero to connect/make contact with “LESSER” humans in order to succeed

DUE DATES: Pre-Writing and Outline: Friday, 11/15 (end of period) Rough Draft: Monday, 11/18 (by end of period) Final Draft: Friday, 11/22

All to be Submitted electronically, via Google Drive OUTLINE FORMAT*

Creative Title

I. Introduction a. Hook Sentence: ______b. Thesis Statement (Argument): ______II. Body Paragraph I Topic Sentence: ______a. Supporting Detail/Evidence #1 ______b. Supporting Detail/Evidence #2 ______c. Supporting Detail/Evidence #3 ______III. Body Paragraph II Topic Sentence: ______a. Supporting Detail/Evidence #1 ______b. Supporting Detail/Evidence #2 ______c. Supporting Detail/Evidence #3 ______IV. Body Paragraph III Topic Sentence: ______a. Supporting Detail/Evidence #1 ______b. Supporting Detail/Evidence #2 ______c. Supporting Detail/Evidence #3 ______V. Conclusion

**Note: This is a general guide and the bare minimum expectations. You may include more body paragraphs and/or supporting details if you wish.

Hints:  Hook-Sentence- grabs the reader’s attention  Thesis Statements- tell the audience your major claim and what you plan on arguing for the rest of your paper  Topic Sentences- should ALL relate back to thesis statement  Supporting Details/Evidence- act as your examples to support your claim (statistics, quotes, facts, examples, opinions, personal observations and experiences, etc.)—they prove you know what you’re talking about!

Your overall essay will be graded based on the above criteria, so it is in in your best interest to create a solid outline. The better your outline, the easier the paper will be to write.

Rubric: Pre-Write- 5 points Outline- 25 points (viewed for completion; content will be evaluated in final draft) Rough Draft- 20 points Total= 50 points Final Draft= 50 points (100 points total)